It might be his sport, but it's my stroke!

Ben's influence over "our" activities is certainly evident - basketball and swimming. However, few know that I too was a competitive swimmer. I was all over backstroke. And the girls? Yep, they've got skills from their Momma too.

Sometimes it takes 2 coaches "behind" Ally.

Hey Dad, could we just get this IM over with already?

She is big time in the lead!

(she dropped 3 seconds off her 50 free time here)

Here it is - numero uno in backstroke!

And don't forget the lollipop for winning her heat. It's all about the food!

Not really impressed.

Ditto!

Ringing in 2010 with lots of GIGGLING!

I tried to fight it. I hoped it would just go away. Surely, my counterpart would take my side.

Not so.

Hayden would have her New Year's Party.

I have to admit it was a lot of fun. Lots of giggling, snacking, games, more giggling, party hats, food, more giggling, loud poppers, more giggling and some very sleepy girls the next morning.

I need to practice my snack and entertainment packing

Tonight was our practice swim meet in Athens.  The girls did great and the boys, well, they stayed out of trouble for the most part and only had to go potty 5 times.  I guess I should just be happy they actually went to the bathroom.  Hayden swam free, back, breast and fly.  Ally swam free and back.  Ben, of course, had to get in on the action as a Stroke/Turn Judge, so I just hung on the other side of the fence with Nina and the boys.  I was able to get some pretty good pictures if I do say so myself.  I thought it was kind of funny when Ally asked if we were done with swimming.  I mean, she's done practice and she's done a swim meet.  What else is there?  I was also informed that my snacks were no good and I didn't provide them any entertainment.  I guess I'll need to "practice" that.  However, I did notice a little girl and 3 friends running around entertaining themselves with the cold packs from the snacks.  A nine year old almost missed breast stroke because her sister's entertainment was so good.